From the Liveblog of
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Netanyahu said to have balked at IDF proposal for Lebanon ground op, amid US pressure
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleNava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.
During a limited security meeting convened by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last night, the IDF presented the premier and other ministers with a proposal for a large-scale ground maneuver in Lebanon, but Netanyahu expressed reservations amid US pressure against further escalation, Army Radio reports.
Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir supported the proposal, while Netanyahu hesitated after US President Donald Trump intervened earlier this week to prevent planned strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut and broader operations in Lebanon, the report says.
Overnight, the US State Department announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to renew their fragile ceasefire and establish several pilot security zones in southern Lebanon from which Hezbollah would be barred. Under the arrangement, the Lebanese Armed Forces would assume full control of those areas, though details of implementation remain unclear.
The Prime Minister’s Office does not immediately comment on the Army Radio report or further clarify the ceasefire understandings.
The Times of Israel Community.